If I asked you to tick off five types of supportive shoes right now, you’d most likely give me a list that included any or all of the following: running shoes, walking shoes, lace-up oxfords, clogs (as in Dansko), and rocker-sole sandals (like Alegria). How about flip-flops? You can almost hear the frivolous, flimsy slap-slap of plastic shoes from your youth. A definite no on our list of supportive footwear, right? I mean, didn’t your podiatrist give you the big fat NO when discussing flip-flop wearing in the summertime? And didn’t you read the perils of wearing said footwear when perusing Prevention magazine in the doctor’s waiting room? Leave the flip-flop for the teenagers. Heaven knows, your plantar fasciitis and fallen arches can’t take another summer of pavement pounding in unsubstantial footwear, right?.

Orthaheel Tide Sandal

What if I told you that your free-spirited, toe-exposing ways don’t need to come to an end? Enter Orthaheel Tide flip-flops: podiatrist-designed, Dr. Andrew Weil recommended and APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) approved. The Orthaheel Tide isn’t just a step above your old flip-flops, it’s in a category by itself. If you suffer from painful plantar fasciitis, pesky pronation, or knee and back pain, the Orthaheel Tide can help with these problems because it helps restore the foot’s natural alignment.

Orthaheel Tech

I have rheumatoid arthritis which seems to pick on my feet more than any other part of my body. You name it, I probably have it: plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain), pronation problems, bunions, hammertoes. My Orthaheel Tide flips provide excellent support and just the right amount of cushioning for my sensitive, super-picky feet. I wore them from sun-up to sun-down today; from the cement deck of the pool to grocery shopping to park-hopping with my children. And my “dogs” aren’t barking tonight! I could

probably slip them back on and walk around the block, but I won’t.

Do a quick inventory of your shoe rack. How many flat-as-pancake flip-flops or other sandals do you have? How much did you spend on such shoes? $50? More?

The Orthaheel Tide may seem pricey for a flip-flop at $59.99, but remember, it’s so much more. It’s got a built-in orthotic, for goodness’ sake! And we all know, orthotics aren’t cheap. Do your feet a favor and invest in one quality pair of Orthaheels. Start out by wearing them for short stints of an hour or so each day to let your feet get used to the arch support. After a week, ask your loved ones if they’ve noticed you complaining less about your aches and pains. Isn’t that worth more than $59.99?

Also important, they’re cute. The Tide doesn’t have the built-up, frumpy look of orthopedic footwear; its simple low-profile styling looks great with everything from shorts to capris to jeans. It fits true to size and comes in nine very wearable neutral colors.